Families London SW December 2020 digital

Digital F REE issue

Magazine

IN THIS ISSUE

Everything Christmas!

Win Toys for Christmas!

Micro Scooter + LOTS MORE!

Magazine

See inside

November/December 2020

familiesonline.co.uk

T&Cs apply

Familiesonline.co.uk November/ December 1

R OYA L A L B E R T H A L L A N D B I R M I N G H A M R OYA L B A L L E T P R E S E N T

30 December 2020 – 2 January 2021 7 PERFORMANCES ONLY AS PART OF OUR SPECIAL SOCIALLY DISTANCED FESTIVE SEASON

THE TIMES

★★★★ ‘…wonder and spectacle’ LONDONIST

★★★★★

‘The biggest Nutcracker in London’

royalalberthall.com/christmas 020 7589 8212 #RAHChristmas

familiesonline.co.uk

FamiliesSWLon

Birmingham Royal Ballet is registered charity No.1061012 and is funded by

November/December 2020 • Families South West 13

Toy Giveaway!

Vroom Vroom Plate

Conversation Cards

Sword & Shield Sets

Micro Scooter

Knitted Diplodocuses

Driving Experience

Space Magnetic Pack

Mermaid Tails

Robo Wunderkind

Animal Wall Prints

Germ German Attack Games

See Gift Guide for details

2 November/December

familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

Seasonal Acts of Kindness

It’s a tough time for everybody, so here are some different ways to support those in need.

Centrepoint More Than a Christmas Dinner

NSPCC Letter from Santa

#FoodBankAdvent Reverse Calendar

RSPCA Christmas Appeal

Action for Children: Be a Secret Santa

BookTrust Give a Festive Book Parcel

Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day

Age UK Say Hello to an Older Neighbour

Wear a Christmas Hat Day Support this vital research on 18 December for Brain Tumour Research.

Donate when you order Help a homeless young a letter from Santa for your child. person this Christmas.

Help rescue an Support your local food bank. Collect a Reverse abandoned/neglected animal.

Advent Calendar.

Help a vulnerable child have a happier Christmas.

Brighten a vulnerable Ideas for supporting an child’s Christmas with a Get your silliest jumper older neighbour with special gift book parcel. small acts of kindness. out on 11 December and donate £2.

8 November/December

familiesonline.co.uk

CONTENTS

In This Issue

Welcome

4

It’s not long until Christmas, and, whilst it will feel different to usual, there will still be plenty to organise.

Education

Happy SeasonalChristmas Acts of Kindness all ourGift readers!

10toChristmas Guide 8

11

Great Families® Toy Giveaway

13 Christmas (part 1)

From the Families Family Life team

16 Early Years 18

21 Christmas (part 2)

Get in touch Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.

So we’ve got every angle covered – gifts, cooking, decoration and cardmaking, ideas for a cheaper and more eco-friendly season, opportunities for giving to others – right through to the best family films and ideas for Christmas Eve traditions. So save our link and keep it handy!

Marking our 30 year anniversary, we are also delighted to bring you the Great Families® Toy Giveaway – check out the opportunity to win toys from our Gift Guide.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas from everybody at Families® Magazine.

Families Magazine turns 30!

To celebrate, we have FREEBIES for YOU! -In

The Grrreat Colour Reward Chart STEP 1

STEP 3

STEP 2

Tell your child when to Fill in daily Explain behaviour rewards your colour in the animals! targets child will receive

Vis

Name:

e Real Animals! it th

for a day at a WIN Family Tickets Park of your choice!

UK Zoo or Wildlife children. two adults and two Tickets are valid for

info@familiesmagazine.co.uk completed chart to an image of your child’s you or your child explaining How to Enter: Email up to 50 words from 2020 to enter. age, your postcode and You have until 30 June with your child’s name, them achieve their targets. how the chart has helped

West Kent

IN THIS ISSUE

Easter activities & What’s Ons for * Win chocolates Mother’s Day & family day out tickets * Play café guide * School open days * Reader offers

2020 Issue 10 March/April

estkent.co.uk email: editor@familiesw

familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Day 3

Day 4

Reward

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Reward

I will...

Day 3

reward chart landscape.indd

1

Day 4

magazine.co.uk Email info@families the chart! for extra copies of 15/01/2020 16:44

Posters and wall charts

m

Day 2

Fa

Day 1

to go to the zoo! can enter the competition in all my animals, we When I have coloured at www.bit.ly/37LNg7w Competition T&Cs

✯

es Maga il i

30 years

ud

✯

ri nt

I will...

ne zi

HOME

Family dining vouchers

Day 2

o

FREE

TAKE ME

% %

Day 1

Pr

Tickets to attractions

% % £% £%

d exchange her can be ll for the This vouc bi od ur fo low. against yo amount be ated st This voucher can be exchanged against your food bill for the stated amount below.

✹ ✹ ✹ Reward

I will...

to be

P

Don’t miss out on 12 months of giveaways!

Sign up HERE to receive each magazine to your inbox It’s free!

Magazine November/ December 3

CHRISTMAS

DIY Christmas Cards Kids love to make or colour their own and they are so much more special than bought cards!

Surprise Christmas Cracker Card

Tinsel Tree Card

Sesame Street Christmas Card

Hand-Stitched Christmas Cards

Confetti Christmas Card

Layered Christmas Tree Card

Snow Surprise Christmas Card

Reindeer Christmas Card

Fingerprint Light Cards

14 November/December

familiesonline.co.uk

Granard Primary School “Growing together; Achieving together”

A child’s first school is an important stepping stone into education.

Granard is friendly, caring and inclusive. We nurture each child’s academic, sporting and music opportunities to enable them to succeed academically and socially. We provide a caring and nurturing environment for children from Nursery to Year 6 (age 3 — 11).

Come and find out about our excellent teaching, the support we offer and see our wonderful facilities, including our swimming pool.

Please contact the school office on 0208 788 3606 to arrange a visit.

8 Families South West • November/December 2020

Our Open Mornings are at 9.15 a.m. on: Wednesday 25th November Monday 14th December, Friday 8th January

Breakfast and After School Clubs available

familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

Christmas Decorations to Make with the Kids

Tree House Decoration

Paper Plate Christmas Tree Twirler

DIY Wrapping Paper

Snowman Lantern

Paper Angel Garlands

Pine Cone Mouse

Paper Ball Reindeer

3D Christmas Tree

Paper Plate Santa

familiesonline.co.uk

November/ December 21

CHRISTMAS

Seasonal Acts of Kindness

You may want to consider how you can be especially kind to those closer to you too.

Acts of Kindness to Family at Home

Community Acts of Kindness

Exchange hugs often. Affection makes everyone happier and healthier.

Happy Hour. Spend time telling jokes, funny stories and smiling at each other!

Do a chore without being asked.

Help out in the kitchen even if it’s not your job/turn.

Leave a loving note for another family member.

Compliment each other.

Say thank you – every time!

Make a Reverse Advent Calendar. Choose something to donate each day and drop all the items to a local charity in time for Christmas.

Give blood.

Make “thank you” window posters for key workers.

Donate to an animal shelter blankets/treats/toys.

Let someone go ahead of you in a queue.

Pick up litter.

Volunteer with a charity.

Acts of Kindness to Friends/Neighbours Sing Christmas carols outside someone’s house – remember to socially distance!

Give a Christmas plant to someone who doesn’t get outside much.

Call a friend you haven’t seen for a long time.

Text someone and wish them well.

Send an elderly neighbour a Christmas card.

Give a book that has inspired you.

Do some shopping for a neighbour/friend who needs help. familiesonline.co.uk

November/ December 9

Helping children believe they can do anything Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds

BATTERSEA 07956 288928 battersea@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/battersea

NEW MALDEN 0208 540 7791 newmalden@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/newmalden

FULHAM 07498 213142 fulham@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/fulham

PUTNEY 020 8099 9861 putney@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/putney WIMBLEDON 020 8946 3400 wimbledon@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/wimbledon

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

2 Families South West • November/December 2020

familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

Christmas Cooking with the Kids Get the whole family busy in the kitchen with these exciting seasonal recipe ideas.

Mini Gingerbread Houses

Christmas Yoghurt Bark Slices

Rudolph Shortbread

Rudolph Pancakes

Santa Brownie Hats

Sweet Snowballs

Christmas Pudding Rice Krispie Cakes

Melted Snowmen Cookies

Kid’s Christmas Trifles

22 November/December

familiesonline.co.uk

AD

Free £5 bonus when you make your first purchase!

As you tick off the turkey, brand new sofa and Christmas presents off your lists - you can tick off the biggest gift of all when you shop with KidStart…

Together we can help make a brighter future for your child.

Every time you shop at one of over 2,300 of our partners, we top up your child’s account for free.

Make your money go even further this Black Friday, Christmas and beyond…

Search for a retailer and click to Shop Shop as normal Feel great as you watch your child’s savings grow-ho-ho-ho!

Sign up now! familiesonline.co.uk

November/ December 7

CHRISTMAS

The Great Families® Toy Giveaway!

WIN! 1 of 3

Mermaid Tails from Planet Mermaid

WIN!

WIN! 1 of 3

Gruffalo Micro Scooter from Micro Scooter

Germ Attack Game from Horrible Science

Select 3 in 1 (12mths5yrs) or Mini (2-5 yrs).

WIN!

WIN! 1 of 2

WIN! 1 of 5

Sword & Shield Sets from Green Owl Toys

Conversation Cards from Together Equal

WIN! 1 of 2

Child’s Animal Print from Lauren May Illustrates

Knitted Diplodocus from Best Years

Vroom Vroom Plate from Munchy Play

WIN!

WIN!

WIN!

1 of 2 Young Driver Driving Experience (10-17yrs)

Space Magnetic Set from Time Flies for Kids WIN!

Explorer Lite from Robo Wunderkind

Good Luck!

ENTER HERE

T&Cs apply

12 November/December

familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Choosing a Tutor for your Child

Primary School League Tables Explained

By Kate Hilpern

By Annabel Gray

In the past, parents might employ a tutor, discreetly, to help their child keep up at school.

Now tutoring is higher profile and focuses on making students more academically competitive – getting ahead, not just keeping up. So if your child needs a tutor, how do you choose one?

READ MORE

There are many factors to consider when choosing a school for your child – often including how well the school is performing. A useful tool to reference is the school annual league tables. Unfortunately though, these can sometimes seem a little complicated.

READ MORE

Improving your Child’s Working Memory

Why Children Should Write Creatively

Children use working memory all the time: to remember what they read in the previous paragraph of a book, when doing mental maths and to follow directions with lots of steps. The good news is that, if your child’s working memory seems poor, it can be improved with practice.

READ MORE

Every day children experience events that are new to them as well as adding new words to their vocabulary. These new experiences help them to develop a curious mind and can trigger ideas which then develop into stories or creative writing.

So what benefits does this have?

READ MORE

4 November/December

familiesonline.co.uk

Promotion Bonjour, I am Florence the founder of Kids En Cuisine, the only cookery school for children focused on natural, organic ingredients, aromatic herbs and spices since 2014 and in partnership with Planet Organic and Whole Food Market.

Y

ear after year, I built my reputation on the quality of my menus and my unique way of teaching your children about healthy food.

My team of professional chefs and I teach private classes in the comfort of your homes, in schools, in stores and give you many cooking tips. Interestingly, it wasn’t just children taking online cooking classes during the lockdown. Often I had entire families joining their children week after week to improve their cooking skills.

Kids En Cuisine is now back in the school clubs and continues to run private cooking classes. We also offer online birthday parties by delivering the cooking kits to your guests and you can also buy special Kids En Cuisine cooking utensils and my recipe book ‘Cook with Flo’ through our online boutique.

Use the code FAMILIES to get 15% OFF my great recipe book 'Cook with Flo’. A great stocking filler!

Au revoir.

Chef Flo.

I quickly adapted my business by offering online classes and delivering the ingredients to my little chef’s doorsteps. Behind the scenes, Planet Organic played an important role by supporting me and offering the organic ingredients to my clients who booked me. They helped me to maintain the high standards of Kids En Cuisine and my reputation as a chef. A big thank you to them!

familiesonline.co.uk

FamiliesSWLon

November/December 2020 • Families South West 9

CHRISTMAS

Christmas Eve Traditions

Mix and match ideas for different parts of the day and create family traditions that your children will treasure.

Morning

Afternoon

Posh breakfast. Enjoy pancakes and bacon using festive plates and cups.

Feed the birds. Hang edible treats or a feeder so the birds can have Christmas dinner!

Make reindeer food. Mix edible glitter and oats to sprinkle outside for Rudolph and friends.

Write a thank you letter to Santa. Encourage your kids to leave thank you notes for Santa.

Create a Santa sack for others.

Get your children to select unwanted toys for Santa to pick up and take to other children.

Bake something Christmassy.

Gingerbread, shortbread, cookies or a cake.

Exercise. A family walk or cycle will help your children settle to sleep on the big night.

Set up a treasure hunt. Leave clues around the house for kids to find a special Christmas Eve present like a tree decoration.

Family photoshoot. Take a family selfie. Compare with Christmas photos from previous years.

Play a game. Introduce a new card game or play a board game.

Evening Snuggle up and watch a film, read a Christmas story or watch a panto.

Leave food out for Santa. Don’t forget a carrot for Rudolph!

Enjoy virtual Christmas carols.

This year many organisations will be having carolling events online.

Go on a family Christmas light walk. Get some fresh air and check out the neighbourhood Christmas lights.

Carol singing. Wrap up warm and treat neighbours and friends to your angelic voices – at a safe distance!

Hang up the stockings.

Remember the most important tradition of all (as if you’d forget)! familiesonline.co.uk

November/ December 15

CHRISTMAS

The Unusual Christmas Gift Guide Surprise your kids with some quirky gifts this Christmas!

Wooden Shield/ Sword Set

Perfectly designed for little hands and big adventures. Ages 4+. £15.

PomPom Climbing Triangle

Munchy Play Plate

Fun dining as little ones whizz toy cars/trains around meals. Ages 6mths+. £14.50.

Space Magnetic Pack

An affordable Christmas gift with an intergalactic theme.

Ages 5+. £25.

First-of-its-kind climbing triangle which can be folded away at night. Ages 3+. £325.

Young Driver Drive-tastic

Get behind the wheel for a memorable driving experience!

Ages 5+ £32.99.

Christmas Cracker Puzzles

Best Years Dino Love

Together Equal Conversation Cards

Gruffalo Micro Scooter

Bright, knitted diplodocus dinosaur – sturdy but soft too!

Age 0+. £14.99.

10 November/December

Great stocking filler.

Thought-provoking conversation starters.

Ages 7+. £7.99.

Premium wooden puzzles in cracker packaging. Ages 3-8. £9.95.

Exclusive for 2020.

Range of prints and colours. Ages 1-5. From £95.95. familiesonline.co.uk

Online French, Spanish, Italian & German Classes Primary & Secondary

• • • • •

6-week programmes 1 hour per class, once a week Classes from beginner to advanced levels Reading & writing classes for bilingual children Preparation for examinations - DELF Prim, DELF Junior, GCSE, A-level & SAT

50% off 31st Dec until em 2020 - £ ber 5p class for er 12 months

To organise a FREE assessment, please send us an email to: info@averyhilleducation.com | Alternatively, you can call us on: 0203 5980 719 | www.averyhilleducation.com

20 Families South West • November/December 2020

familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

The Unusual Christmas Gift Guide Surprise your kids with some quirky gifts this Christmas!

Horrible Science Germ Attack

Planet Mermaid Tails

Smart Counting Football

Junko Zoomer Kits

Follow Me Ball

Penguins On Ice

Robo Wunderkind

Engenius Contraptions Marble Run

Animal Wall Prints

Imagination-stimulating Beautifully designed board game with a and created mermaid topical subject! Ages tails. 100% swimmable!

8+. £19.99.

Ages 3+. From £33.99.

Counts up to 100 keepy-uppies with lights and sounds.

Ages 6+. £20.

Make junk into working A colour changing Unique, award-winning toys using problemmotorised ball for baby puzzle game with solving skills. Ages to follow. Ages: 6mths+ multi-level challenges.

6-10. From £9.99. £16.99.

Ages 6+ £19.99.

Award-winning robotics kits that teach coding through the joy of play. Ages 4-10.

From £199. familiesonline.co.uk

Wooden perpetual motion marble run.

Ages 10+. £28.99.

Bespoke, personalised animal wall or shelf prints. Ages 0+.

From £10.

November/ December 11

EARLY YEARS

The Importance of Toddler Play

By Dr Sarah Mundy

Play is an enjoyable part of childhood, and an important one for the developing brain. Through play, children develop physically, emotionally, cognitively and creatively. It allows them to engage in the world in a way that feels safe, explore different roles, address fears, and develop confidence.

Children who have parents who actively play with them, learn about sharing, problem solving and decision-making more quickly than those who don’t. Playing with your child also helps you understand their world and shows them you are interested in them, both important aspects of a secure attachment relationship, which is seen as the cornerstone of a child’s development.

So playing with our children is very important, even though prioritising this can be difficult. But how do we initiate play? And what do we do?

READ MORE

Unlock Your Child’s Inner Superpowers

Children’s charity Barnardo’s has launched the Super Seekers activity packs for children aimed at helping to develop life skills such as kindness, creativity and resilience. The packs are designed to help children ages 3 to 5 years develop important life skills through fun and imaginative play.

FIND PACKS familiesonline.co.uk

November/ December 17

FAMILY LIFE

Storytelling Ideas for Parents

By Becky Cranham www.planbee.com

Voice and Intonation Your tone of voice is crucial in engaging your children and helping them understand the story. Convey emotions by: Slowing or quickening your voice Changing the volume of your voice Making your voice higher/lower Use different voices for different characters.

Questions

Asking your child questions about what is happening and how they feel about it can help keep them engaged and following the plot.

Repeated Phrases Help Kids Join In

Think, the Three Little Pigs - “I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your house down!”

Try books like Not Now, Bernard Green Eggs and Ham We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Use Story Tools

Tired brain? Use tools like Roll and Write Story Ideas Generator to come up with basic plots.

Build on Familiar Stories…

Use Wordless Picture Books

…and change the setting, characters or details. Turn Snow White into a cat who runs away from the evil cat queen and lives with a group of seven friendly squirrels!

Describe the setting, characters, and what they say. Encourage your children to join in. Do they agree with your version? Can they make up their own? Try: Flotsam Flora and the Flamingo The Snowman Owl Bat Bat Owl Clown Mirror Journey Once Upon a Snowstorm

Or add your child as a character in stories like The Little Mermaid or modern classics like Bob the Builder.

Draw on Life Experiences You may, of course, embellish/ leave out certain details! Tell your children funny stories about when they were younger.

18 November/December

Tell Stories Anytime, Anywhere…. …not just at bedtime!

familiesonline.co.uk

FAMILY LIFE

How to Have a Thrifty Christmas

How Many Toys Does a Child Need?

The pandemic, lockdown, a slowdown in the economy, and job losses have affected many people’s finances across the UK, meaning less money to spend on Christmas. So here are some great festive money-saving tips from our Families® experts, to help you enjoy Christmas without breaking the bank.

READ MORE

Toys have a way of taking over.

Before you know it, you are knee-deep in discarded Lego and naked Barbie dolls. The children are bored, the house is a mess and no one is happy. Most families have too many toys and more toys actually equals less play. Why is this?

READ MORE

Christmas if You’re Separated

By Rebecca Giraud and Bob Greig

All separated parents have a puzzle to solve at Christmas.

How are you going to create a Christmas that is affordable, achievable, pleases the kids and works for your child’s other parent? None of this is easy…

READ MORE familiesonline.co.uk

November/ December 19

CHRISTMAS

Best Family Christmas Movies Snuggle up on the sofa with your family and some Quality Street or mince pies to watch a classic Christmas movie!

Home Alone

Elf

The Holiday

An 8 year old boy protects his house from burglars when he is left home alone.

A man-sized Elf (Will Ferrell) wreaks havoc on the elf community.

Cheesy rom-com. Kate Winslett/Cameron Diaz find romance on a home swap.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

It’s a Wonderful Life

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Love Actually

Miracle on 34th Street

Jim Carrey is the perfect Grinch in this memorable festive flick.

Great British actors, a brilliant soundtrack, a festive classic that can be watched every year! familiesonline.co.uk

Beautiful black and white classic for the whole family.

A Christmas remake that’s as charming as the 1947 original.

Loveable remake of Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, with Michael Caine.

Nativity

Fondly remember the chaotic nativity plays you’ve all endured/ enjoyed!

November/ December 23